The Rugby Football Union has confirmed its head of elite referee development Ed Morrison will leave before the start of the new season.

Morrison took on the role in July 2008 after previously holding the development manager post in the Elite Referee Unit. Prior to taking up the backroom post, he was the RFU's first full-time professional referee and took charge of the 1995 World Cup final.

RFU professional rugby director Rob Andrew said: "We are immensely grateful for the role Ed has played both as a successful and respected referee and latterly in developing other senior match officials. He has played a leading part in bringing a professional approach to officiating and, for the past five years, has been responsible for all officiating matters from the Aviva Premiership upwards. Ed has been a fundamental part of the rugby community and I am sure, with his level of expertise, will continue to be very much part of it."

Morrison added: "Rugby has been such a huge part of my life, initially as a player and as a referee and latterly working to ensure that officiating constantly improves so that the professional game continues to flourish.

"Having broken new ground by becoming the RFU's first full-time professional referee, being part of the formation of the Elite Referee Unit and then taking charge of its development, I feel that now is the right time to hand the reins to a successor to continue the good development work and systems I have helped to put in place."

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